Spotlight on Leaders

Packer Serving as Interim at IBC Manilla

David Packer began serving as the interim pastor at the International Baptist Church (IBC) of Manilla at the beginning of February 2023. He and his wife Lana served as missionaries in the Philippines from 1980-89, as senior pastor of IBC Singapore (1992-2004), of IBC Duesseldorf Germany (2007-2009), and IBC Stuttgart Germany (2009-2020). David and Lana have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Pastor Steve Kaneshiro Named Pastor Emeritus

On Sunday, January 29, 2023, Valley Isle Baptist on Maui named Steve Kaneshiro, pastor emeritus. The church chose to do this on the first anniversary of his retirement. Kenneth Priest (pictured left) is the Transitional Pastor.

Leaders Installed and Commissioned at Happy Valley Baptist, Samoa

Pastor Saufo’i Tavete, Happy Valley Baptist, Samoa, shared that they held a special service to bless their new ministry and church leaders on January 8, 2023.

Choi Affirmed as Senior Pastor at Antioch Baptist

Pastor Dave Choi with his wife, Hyeyoung, and his sons, Nathaniel and Andrew

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, church members of Antioch Baptist Church on Oahu unanimously voted to call Dave Choi to serve as their Senior Pastor. Pastor Choi had been serving as their associate pastor.

Haynes and Brennan Serve at Kahului Baptist

On Saturday, January 7, 2023, Kahului Baptist Church installed Pastor Jay Haynes (middle) and celebrated the addition of Pastor Noah Brennan (right) to their council of elders. Pastor Rocky Komatsu of Waiehu Community Church delivered a charge and congregational encouragement. Members of Kahului Baptist, Waiehu Community Church, Kahului Union, Lana'i Baptist, and Kihei Baptist joined in the worship service and a potluck celebration that followed.

Barr is New Pastor at Living Faith

Vera and Pastor Andrew Tong with Pastor Phillip and Betsy Barr

Phillip Barr began serving as the pastor of Living Faith in Honolulu on January 8, 2023. Phillip and his family lived in Beijing, China, for seven years. After returning to the US, he worked to plant an international church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Phillip is married to Betsy. They have two sons, Nate (11) and John Alan (9). Living Faith is the Englishspeaking congregation of Hawaii Chinese Baptist Church where Andrew Tong is the pastor.

Pastor Phillip, Betsy, Nate, and John Alan Barr with Living Faith Church Leaders